ENVIRONMENTAL ELECTROMAGNETISM AND BIOELECTROMAGNETISM

Course Objective:
The main objective of the course is to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the mechanisms underlying the interactions between electromagnetic fields and physical and biological systems. Students will develop the theoretical knowledge necessary to understand how electromagnetic fields interact with biological tissues and physical systems, with particular attention to the fundamental principles of bioelectromagnetism and its applications.

Knowledge and Understanding:
Students will acquire a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of bioelectromagnetics. This includes the basic concepts related to electromagnetic fields, their propagation and interaction with matter, as well as the mechanisms through which electromagnetic fields interact with biological systems.

Applied Knowledge and Understanding:
Students will develop the ability to apply the acquired theoretical knowledge to practical problems. In particular, they will be able to discuss, interpret, and analyze problems involving electromagnetic fields and biological systems, identifying the relevant physical mechanisms and applying appropriate analytical approaches.

Autonomy of Judgment:
Students will develop the ability to independently identify and compare the most appropriate methods for studying real-world situations involving electromagnetic fields and physical-biological systems. They will be able to evaluate different approaches, interpret results, and select suitable methods according to the specific problem under consideration.

Communication Skills:
Students will develop the ability to communicate scientific and technical concepts clearly and effectively, both orally and in written form. They will be able to present and discuss their work using appropriate scientific terminology. In addition, they will acquire the ability to prepare laboratory reports using suitable technical language, presenting experimental procedures, results, analysis, and conclusions in a clear and structured manner.

Learning Skills:
Students will develop the ability to independently acquire and consolidate new knowledge related to bioelectromagnetics and its applications. They will be able to use scientific and technical resources to deepen their understanding of specific topics and to apply the acquired knowledge to new problems and situations. Assessment of learning may also be conducted online, depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of the course.

The course includes lectures and experimental laboratories

Basic knowledge of high school mathematics and physics (fundamentals)

Attendance is mandatory according to the Degree Programme's teaching regulations.

The electromagnetic field and mobile radio communications

•   The electromagnetic field and electromagnetic waves
•   Electromagnetic spectrum and frequency bands
•   Fundamental characteristics of antennas: gain and polarization (2 hours laboratory)
•   Notes on cellular network operation and developments related to 5G

Interaction mechanisms

•   Electromagnetic characteristics of biological tissues, propagation and absorption.
•   Biological effects on human body at low and high frequencies, thermal and non-thermal effects.
•   Numerical and experimental dosimetry (6 hours laboratory)
•   Main applications of electromagnetic fields in diagnostics and therapy

Measurement and Evaluation of exposure to electromagnetic fields

•   Risk evaluation of exposure to the electromagnetic field
•   “ICNIRP Guidelines”, regulatory and exposure limits
•   Measurements of electromagnetic fields (4 hours laboratory)

Oral examination consisting of two questions covering the course syllabus addressed during classroom lectures and laboratory activities.

Examples of questions: What is a plane wave? What are the effects of the electromagnetic (EM) field on biological media? What is the antenna gain and what is its significance?

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department

Possibility of conducting the assessment remotely in the cases expressly provided for by the applicable regulations.

Examples of questions: 

- what is a plane wave? 

- what are the effects of the electromagnetic (EM) field on biological media? 

- what is the antenna gain and what is its significance?